The Hill’s Whip List: House Iran vote

Support for the Iran nuclear deal has been building among House Democrats.

President Obama has enough votes in the Senate to save the agreement and potentially filibuster any measure of disapproval. But the controversial agreement has left many Democrats with a tough decision.

Republicans are unified against the deal, which would lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.

{mosads}GOP leaders are planning a vote to disapprove before the end of the 60-day congressional review period. Obama has vowed to veto any effort to block the deal and can afford to lose no more than 43 House Democrats to sustain a veto.

Here is how House Democrats stand on the Iran deal. Please send updates to jhattem@digital-stage.thehill.com and mmali@digital-stage.thehill.com.

Last updated on Sept. 11 at 8:56 a.m.

 

RECENT UPDATES: Democratic Reps. Joyce Beatty (Ohio), Loretta Sanchez (Calif), Raul Ruiz (Calif), Bill Keating (Mass.) Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.), Richard Neal (Mass.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.),  Joseph Crowley (N.Y.), Ami Bera (Calif.), Cedric Richmond (La.), Pete Visclosky (Ind.), Janice Hahn (Calif.), Marcia Fudge (Ohio), Sanford Bishop (Ga.), Alan Grayson (Fla.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Michelle Lujan Grisham (N.M.), Emanuel Cleaver (Mo.), John Carney (Del.), Jim Langevin (R.I.), Tim Ryan (Ohio), Ann Kirkpatrick (Ariz.), Gene Green (Texas), Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Ted Lieu (Calif.), Jared Huffman (Calif.), Mike Quigley (Ill.), Xavier Becerra (Calif.), Steny Hoyer (Md.)

 

YES (145)

Rep. Alma Adams (N.C.)

Rep. Peter Aguilar (Calif.)

Rep. Karen Bass (Calif.)

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio)

Rep. Xavier Becerra (Calif.) 

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas) — “After careful review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, I support this historic agreement which will block all of Iran’s possible paths to a nuclear weapon,” she said.

Rep. Ami Bera (Calif.)

Rep. Don Beyer (Va.) — “We cannot allow a nuclear Iran and this deal will serve as a lasting deterrent to keep the United States out of another devastating war in the Middle East,” Beyer said in a statement. 

Rep. Sanford Bishop (Ga.)

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) — “This agreement doesn’t solve our problems, but it simplifies one of the greatest threats to security in the Middle East, not just with Iran but setting off a nuclear proliferation arms race with potentially catastrophic results,” Blumenauer said in August.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.)

Rep. Corrine Brown (Fla.) 

Rep. Julia Brownley (Calif.) — “The bottom line is that we simply cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon,” she wrote in op-ed.

Rep. Cheri Bustos (Ill.) 

Rep. G.K. Butterfield (N.C.) — “I believe this agreement is the only credible option on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” said Butterfield, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Rep. Lois Capps (Calif.) — “The JCPOA is certainly not perfect, but perfect is not an option. While the risks of a nuclear armed Iran are unquestionably dire, there is simply no scenario in which these risks are reduced by rejecting this deal. This agreement is the best option available and it has my full support,” Capps said in a statement.

Rep. Michael Capuano (Mass.) 

Rep. John Carney (Del.) — “I have heard the arguments on both sides, and I believe that it’s a very close call,” said Carney in a statement announcing his support.

Rep. André Carson (Ind.) — “This agreement is not perfect, but the fact is that we cannot know with 100% certainty that Iran will comply with any deal. However, I believe it is likely that this is our one real shot at restraining Iran’s nuclear ambitions. For our national security and international stability, it is critical that we accept the agreement,” Carson said in a statement.

Rep. Matthew Cartwright (Pa.)

Rep. Kathy Castor (Fla.)

Rep. Joaquín Castro (Texas) — “This agreement is not perfect, but on balance, Iran is less likely to obtain a nuclear weapon with the deal than without it,” said Castro.

Rep. Judy Chu (Calif.)

Rep. David Cicilline (R.I.) 

Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.) — “Rather than turn our back on the agreement, we should resolve to hold Iran to strict compliance, being quick to impose consequences if Iran strays from the agreement,”  Clark said.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (N.Y.)

Rep. Lacy Clay (Mo.)

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (Mo.) — “This agreement has some flaws and is not perfect, but if we demand perfection, we are denying the essential qualities of negotiation and international engagement,” he said in a statement.

Rep. James Clyburn (S.C.) — Clyburn told The Hill he’s backing the deal. “Oh, yeah. Give peace a chance,” Clyburn said.

Rep. Steve Cohen (Tenn.) — “I know that, by supporting this agreement in Congress, many longtime—even lifelong—friends will be disappointed but I hope they will understand that it is the result of careful consideration and countless classified briefings,” said the Jewish Dem in a statement.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (Va.) — “It is … a viable alternative to war that takes the Iranian nuclear issue off of the table and secures permanent commitments from Iran regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program,” said Connolly in a statement.

Rep. John Conyers Jr. (Mich.) — “Obama’s diplomacy with Iran is grounded in strength and realism.  But it’s also animated by something all too rare in foreign relations: Hope,” said Conyers in an op-ed for The Hill.

Rep. Jim Costa (Calif.)

Rep. Joe Courtney (Conn.) — “[T]o walk away from this agreement with no realistic alternative threatens the progress that we have made in marshaling international pressure against the regime, and would set back our efforts to both limit Iran’s nuclear program and address these other critical aspects of Iran’s actions,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Joseph Crowley (N.Y.) — “In 2002, I gave the then president the benefit of the doubt and he took us to war. With my vote, I am giving this president the benefit of the doubt to take us to peace.”

Rep. Elijah Cummings (Md.)

Rep. Danny Davis (Ill.) 

Rep. Susan Davis (Calif.)

Rep. Peter DeFazio (Ore.) — I have decided that the agreement is the best option that the global community has to ensure that Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon and I will lend it my full support when it comes to the House of Representatives for consideration,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Diana DeGette (Colo.) —  “In supporting the agreement, I will vigilantly monitor its progress and the broader regional situation. This treaty must serve our national interest for years to come, and I will hold this and future administrations to that standard,” DeGette said in a statement.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.) — DeLauro said the agreement “meets the goal of our negotiations to deny a dangerous Iranian regime access to a nuclear weapon.”

Rep. Suzan DelBene (Wash.) — “After considering all of the opinions and information, one thing I’m certain of is that no one can speak with absolute clarity and predict what will happen 15 years from now in the Middle East. However, this deal is our best opportunity to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon today.”

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (Calif.) — “United Nations sanctions have fallen short. It is time we put diplomacy into action,” he said in an op-ed.

Rep. Debbie Dingell (Mich.) — “We have two goals: promoting peace and keeping the confidence of our allies who need American leadership,” said Dingell in a statement, adding that the deal “helps support both of these goals, which is why I will support it.”

Rep. Lloyd Doggett (Texas)

Rep. Mike Doyle (Pa.)

Rep. Tammy Duckworth (Ill.) — “While not perfect, I believe the nuclear agreement provides the United States and our allies with the most realistic and effective course of action currently available to stop Iran’s nuclear weapons program,” said Duckworth, who is challenging Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) in 2016.

Rep. Donna Edwards (Md.) 

Rep. Keith Ellison (Minn.) — As co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Ellison has helped rally liberal support for the agreement.

Rep. Anna Eshoo (Calif.) — “The prevailing goal of our country and the other P5+1 members throughout negotiations with Iran has been to prevent the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Eshoo said in a statement. “This agreement achieves that goal by making significant inroads toward reducing Iran’s overall nuclear capabilities.”

Rep. Elizabeth Esty (Conn.) 

Rep. Sam Farr (Calif.) — “After two decades in Congress, this is the first time I will be able to vote for peace, not just against war,” Farr said in a statement.

Rep. Chaka Fattah (Pa.)

Rep. Marcia Fudge (Ohio) — “While the agreement is not perfect, it is far better than the alternative, which is no agreement at all.”

Rep. Bill Foster (Ill.) — “After carefully weighing all of the options and possible outcomes I do believe that voting for this deal will make it less likely that Iran will develop a nuclear weapon,” said Foster, a former physicist. “My support of this agreement is informed not just by trust but by science.”

Rep. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.)

Rep. John Garamendi (Calif.) — “My top priority is what we all want: an Iran which never obtains a nuclear weapon. I believe that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is the best available option to achieve this goal,” said Garamendi, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. 

Rep. Alan Grayson (Fla.)  

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.) — “The historic agreement struck today between the United States, our allies, and Iran is a triumph of international relations,” said Grijalva when the deal was announced.

Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (Ill.)

Rep. Janice Hahn (Calif.)

Rep. Denny Heck (Wash.) — “This is a strong agreement that passes every test,” said Heck in a statement.

Rep. Brian Higgins (N.Y.)

Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.) 

Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (Texas)

Rep. Mike Honda (Calif.) — “It is time to change the narrative with Iran and give peace a chance,” said Honda in a statement.

Rep. Steny Hoyer (Md.) — “Although it was a difficult choice, I have decided to oppose a resolution of disapproval, albeit with serious concerns,” said Hoyer, the House Democratic whip.

Rep. Jared Huffman (Calif.) — “I consider the JCPOA, despite its imperfections, a more intelligent and promising path forward,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) — “”After this lengthy period of review, consultation, and reflection, I have concluded that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) represents the best and surest means of achieving the goal of preventing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran,” Jackson Lee said.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.)

Rep. Hank Johnson (Ga.) — “Let’s stop playing politics with peace, and let’s give diplomacy a chance to work,” said Johnson in a statement.

Rep. Bill Keating (Mass.) — “With no agreement, the crippling economic sanctions that brought Iran to the table in the first place face overwhelming risk of collapse,” Keating said.

Rep. Robin Kelly (Ill.) 

Rep. Joseph Kennedy (Mass.) —  ” I believe opposing this deal outright leaves us with a weaker hand than executing it with vigorous enforcement, a clear-eyed acknowledgment of its shortcomings, and a commitment to improving it in the months to come,” he said.

Rep. Dan Kildee (Mich.) — One of Kildee’s constituents has been held captive in Iran since 2011. He told The Associated Press that “it’s very clear to me that the agreement is the best path forward” to limiting Iran’s nuclear program.

Rep. Derek Kilmer (Wash.) — “I believe this is the most consequential issue on which this Congress will engage. Preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is critical to the security of the United States, its allies, and the entire world,” said Kilmer in a statement offering his support.

Rep. Ron Kind (Wis.) — “In the coming months I look forward to carefully evaluating the agreement and attending classified briefings to guarantee the security and safety of our allies in the region,” Kind said in a statement.

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (Ariz.) — “This was a difficult decision, but ultimately, I will support this agreement because it blocks Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon, protects Israel and launches a historic diplomatic agreement that prepares us for the future in an increasingly volatile world,” said Kirkpatrick in a statement. She is challenging Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2016.

Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (N.H.)

Rep. Jim Langevin (R.I.) — “I did not arrive at this decision easily, and I will not stop pressing to strengthen this agreement and its enforcement. 

Rep. Rick Larsen (Wash.) — “Iran’s compliance with these requirements will be verified with concrete evidence, not trust. The international community will have the tools and access to verify Iran’s progress toward upholding their end of the deal, tools we would not otherwise have,” he said in a statement.

Rep. John Larson (Conn.) — “After carefully considering the concerns of my constituents on both sides of this issue — as well as the information I have received through the Congressional Briefing process and the dynamics at play in the Middle East — I have decided to support the agreement,” said Larson in a statement. “While imperfect, this deal is our best chance at diplomatically preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (Mich.)

Rep. Barbara Lee (Calif.) — “Today’s announced deal with Iran, if fully implemented, will prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon while ensuring greater stability in the Middle East,” Lee said. She called the deal “an important victory for diplomacy, America’s leadership abroad and a safer, more secure world.”

Rep. Sandy Levin (Mich.) — “I believe that Israel, the region, and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon,” said Levin, the longest-service Jewish lawmaker. “I believe the agreement is the best way to achieve that.”

Rep. John Lewis (Ga.) — “An agreement that makes the process of demilitarization and nuclear disarmament more transparent, in the long-term, can lead to greater national security for all members of the world community,” Lewis said.

Rep. Dave Loebsack (Iowa) — “Combined with other options that remain on the table if Iran does not comply with the agreement, this framework, which is far from perfect, is a beginning and presents the best path forward to ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.”

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (Calif.) — “I have concluded that this agreement is in the best interests of the United States and the world,” Lofgren said in a statement.

Rep. Alan Lowenthal (Calif.) — “Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and the world cannot tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran,” said Lowenthal in a statement. “This agreement is the best method to accomplish that without the use of military force and the catastrophic violence this would unleash.”

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (N.M.) — “The United States has a long-standing commitment to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. This deal is a step forward, but not the end of our obligation.  The United States’ vigilance must not and cannot be allowed to wane,” said Lujan in a statement.

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (N.M.)

Rep. Stephen Lynch (Mass.)  — “While we should move forward with care and every precaution for ourselves and for our allies, let us nonetheless move forward,” Lynch wrote in an op-ed.

Rep. Doris Matsui (Calif.) — “My top priority is and will always be the safety and security of the United States. A nuclear armed Iran would pose a risk to the United States, our close ally Israel, and other nations around the world.  That is intolerable,” said Matsui in a statement.

Rep. Betty McCollum (Minn.) — “Denying Iran the ability to continue to develop a nuclear weapon with this verifiable agreement is a diplomatic triumph which enhances U.S. and global security,” McCollum said in a statement.

Rep. Jim McDermott (Wash.)

Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.) — “Above all else, this deal must be judged on its merits and whether it is the strongest available option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. I firmly believe that it is,” McGovern said in a statement. 

Rep. Jerry McNerney (Calif.) — “I support this agreement because I believe the security of the United States will be better served if it is accepted by Congress,” McNerney says in a statement.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.) — “I believe rejecting this deal would be a consequential and confounding mistake, and a return to the status quo or worse.  That is a risk I am unwilling to take,” said Meeks.

Rep. Gwen Moore (Wis.) 

Rep. Seth Moulton (Mass.) — The Iraq War veteran endorsed the deal, saying diplomacy was “the best course of action to prevent a nuclear Iran.”

Rep. Patrick Murphy (Fla.) — “The deal on my desk is flawed, but after searching my own soul and conscience, I have decided I will support this agreement as the best available option to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon,” said Murphy, who is running for Senate in 2016, in a statement.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (N.Y.) — Nadler said the deal “for all its flaws, gives us the best chance of stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.” The support of Nadler, the first N.Y. Jewish Dem to back the deal was a big get for the White House.

Rep. Richard Neal (Mass.) — “In my opinion, the only way to successfully prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is with the support of the friends and allies around the world.”

Rep. Rick Nolan (Minn.) — “I’m convinced there is not a better deal,” Nolan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Rep. Beto O’Rourke (Texas)

Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.)

Rep. Bill Pascrell (N.J.)

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (N.J.) — “This nuclear agreement is a historic opportunity to permanently block a nuclear-armed Iran and bolster our national and global security. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this deal,” Payne said in a statement.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) — The House Democratic leader called the agreement a “diplomatic masterpiece.”

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (Colo.) 

Rep. Scott Peters (Calif.)

Rep. Chellie Pingree (Maine) — “The alternatives to this deal simply aren’t acceptable,” said Pingree in a statement.

Rep. Mark Pocan (Wis.) — Pocan is the first vice chairman for the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has been pressuring lawmakers to support the deal. “This agreement effectively halts the Iranian Nuclear Program, and provides unprecedented access to monitor Iran’s nuclear sites,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Jared Polis (Colo.) — “This course of action ensures an influential role for the United States in future developments in the Middle East and, I believe, ensures the greatest likelihood that Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Rep. David Price (N.C.) — “I am confident that this deal will verifiably prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and make the world a safer place,” Price said.

Rep. Mike Quigley (Ill.) — “I am voting to support this agreement not because I think it is perfect, or the answer to all of our problems with Iran. I am voting for this agreement because it is our most credible opportunity to lead a global community in containing an existential threat,” said Quigley in a statement.

Rep. Cedric Richmond (La.) — “This agreement is not built on trust. It is built on distrust, verification, vigilance and enforcement.”

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.) — “While this deal is not perfect, I believe it offers us the best possible chance to stop Iran’s nuclear weapons program.  I am also concerned that if the United States does not support the deal, that could potentially isolate us from our partners who have given all indications that they are not prepared to walk away from the deal.”

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.)

Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif)

Rep. Bobby Rush (Ill.)

Rep. Tim Ryan (Ohio) — “Let’s put America in the smartest and best position to deal with a regime we don’t trust and to bravely lead a uncertain and fearful world.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (Calif.) — “After years of difficult diplomatic negotiations, I believe we must give this broad international agreement a chance to work. I am confident in America’s resolve to ensure the security of Israel and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” she said in a statement.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif)

Rep. John Sarbanes (Md.)

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (Ill.) — A supporter of the deal, Schakowsky said she was “very optimistic that we can sustain a veto” by the president.

Rep. Adam Schiff (Calif.) — “In the absence of a credible alternative, Congress should accept the deal and work with the Administration to strengthen its impact, while joining forces with our allies to better contain Iran’s conventional capabilities and nefarious conduct in the region and beyond,” the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee said in a statement.

Rep. Kurt Schrader (Ore.) — “I truly understand the heartfelt concerns many individuals and groups have about the effects this agreement will have. However, I have decided that I will support this agreement as I believe it severely degrades Iran’s nuclear capabilities and will allow international inspectors unprecedented access all across the country,” said Schrader, a Blue Dog Democrat.

Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.)

Rep. José Serrano (N.Y.)

Rep. Terri Sewell (Ala.) 

Rep. Louise Slaughter (N.Y.) — Slaughter called the deal “the most responsible action that the United States and the international community can take to achieve our goal of ensuring that Iran is unable to build a nuclear weapon.”

Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.) — “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to support this agreement because I believe it ends the otherwise unmonitored and unrestricted continuation of the Iranian nuclear program and it halts the surely destructive effects of a nuclear Iran in the Middle East,” said Smith, the top Dem on the Armed Services Committee.

Rep. Jackie Speier (Calif.) — Speier signed a letter with other Democrats, urging colleagues to back the Iran deal.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (Calif.) — “Seeing no realistic or viable alternative, I will vote in support of the Iran nuclear agreement and dutifully ensure compliance every second along the way,” Swalwell said in a statement.

Rep. Mark Takano (Calif.) —  “I believe that our nation is safer with this deal than without it, and I will oppose any effort in Congress to block its enactment,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Mike Thompson (Calif.) — The House Intel member and veteran is backing the deal. “While I do not trust Iran nor like their leadership, the President has correctly pointed out that you don’t negotiate peace agreements with those you know, like and trust,” he said in a statement. “This deal is in the best interest of the United States and our allies, Israel included. I will support the deal when it comes before Congress for a vote.”

Rep. Paul Tonko (N.Y.) — “Under this agreement, Iran is never permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon, and it imposes serious and variable constraints that will ensure this for many years,” Tonko said in a statement.

Rep. Niki Tsongas (Mass.) — “I do not believe Congress should reject this agreement, and I will oppose any effort in Congress to block its implementation.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.) — “While I respect the opinions of those on both sides of this issue, I have concluded that this agreement advances the national security interests of the United States and all of our allies, including our partner Israel,” Van Hollen said.

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (N.Y.)

Reps. Pete Visclosky (Ind.) — “This hard-fought multilateral agreement will severely limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions, establish a verifiable and robust inspection regime, allow for the timely reinstatement of sanctions for violations of this agreement, and in no way limit U.S. military options.”

Rep. Tim Walz (Minn.)

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.) — “In weighing all the information that I had in front of me, I concluded that the best thing to do is to vote in support of the Iran deal and make sure that we can put Iran years away from being a threshold nuclear state and ensure that we can more closely focus on their terrorist activity,” she said.

Rep. Maxine Waters (Calif.) — Waters signed a letter with fellow House Financial Services panel members endorsing the deal.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.)

Rep. Peter Welch (Vt.)

Rep. Frederica Wilson (Fla.) — “My commitment to Israel and my Jewish constituents is unbreakable, as exemplified by my legislative record and decades of work in our community,” Wilson said in a statement. “It is because of this commitment that I believe we must do everything in our power to restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”

Rep. John Yarmuth (Ky.) — “There is simply no acceptable alternative to this deal,” Yarmuth wrote in an op-ed with Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) in The Hill.

 

NO (21)

Rep. Brad Ashford (Neb.) — “Ensuring that Iran does not achieve its goal of acquiring a nuclear weapon is a critical goal, but it cannot be decoupled from the broader problems facing the region.  It is for these reasons that I cannot support this deal and will vote to disapprove the agreement,” Ashford said in a statement.

Rep. Brendan Boyle (Pa.) — “The nuclear agreement with Iran doesn’t make war less likely. It makes war more likely,” said Boyle in an op-ed for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rep. Tony Cardenas (Calif.) — “I will vote in favor of the people of the United States, Israel and Iran, by voting against this deal,” Cardenas said.

Rep. Ted Deutch (Fla.) — “After a decade in public life working to stop Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons, I cannot support a deal giving Iran billions of dollars in sanctions relief — in return for letting it maintain an advanced nuclear program and the infrastructure of a threshold nuclear state,” Deutch wrote in an op-ed.

Rep. Eliot Engel (N.Y.) —  “I still believe that a negotiated solution is the best course of action. That’s the path I believe we should pursue. But after careful consideration of all of the material; more than a dozen hearings since the beginning of the negotiating period; and conversations with Administration officials, experts, and many of my constituents, I regret that I cannot support this deal,” said Engel, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Rep. Lois Frankel (Fla.) — “It’s too high a price to pay,” Frankel said, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Rep. Gene Green (Texas) — “We need to work together to block it so that we can negotiate a stronger agreement,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Alcee Hastings (Fla.) — “Iran could undermine the agreement in ways that would be nearly impossible to stop,” Hastings said in a statement opposing the deal.

Rep. Steve Israel (N.Y.) — “At the end of the day, despite some positive elements in the deal, the totality compelled me to oppose it,” the highest-ranking Jewish House Democrat and former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman told Newsday.

Rep. Ted Lieu (Calif.) — “Ultimately this is a vote of conscience and I cannot in good conscience vote for a deal— absent fundamental regime change—that gives Iran a legal path to a vast nuclear infrastructure and lifts two crucial arms control provisions, the arms embargo and the ballistic missile ban. My conscience is clear. I will oppose the JCPOA,” Lieu said in a statement.

Rep. Daniel Lipinski (Ill.) — “I supported the effort of the P5+1 countries to negotiate an agreement with Iran that would have prevented it from becoming a nuclear weapons threshold state, but this agreement falls far short of the stated goals and does more to increase the likelihood of additional conflict than to bring peace,” Lipinski said in a statement.

Rep. Nita Lowey (N.Y.) — “This agreement will leave the international community with limited options in 15 years to prevent nuclear breakout in Iran, which will be an internationally-recognized nuclear threshold state, capable of producing highly enriched uranium,” she said in a statement.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (N.Y.) — “There are strong arguments for and against the agreement but, as a matter of conscience, I have decided to oppose it,” Maloney said in a statement, first reported by the New York Daily News.

Rep. Grace Meng (N.Y.) — Meng called the deal “simply too dangerous” for Americans.

Rep. Donald Norcross (N.J.) — “We all know no deal is perfect or iron-clad. I’m not looking for perfection, but I do believe that a better deal can be achieved,” Norcross said in a statement.

Rep. Kathleen Rice (N.Y.) — The freshman lawmaker called the deal a “risk I cannot support” in an op-ed.

Rep. David Scott (Ga.) — “It’s a good deal for Iran, for Russia, China and probably Hezbollah, but is it not, definitely not a good deal for Israel or for the United States or our allies – especially Jordan and Saudi Arabia,” Scott said, according to a report from radio station WABE. “Under this agreement … it allows for Iran to get a nuclear bomb. In essence it sort of permits it too, within the agreement, without Iran having to cheat at all.”

Rep. Brad Sherman (Calif.) — “A strong Congressional vote against the Agreement is the best way to make it clear that the Agreement is not binding on Congress, the American people or future administrations,” said Sherman in a statement.

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) — “I am concerned that this agreement will escalate a conventional arms race in the Middle East and further destabilize the region.”

Rep. Albio Sires (N.J.) — “I am opposed to the current proposed nuclear agreement with Iran. I do not feel the agreement will prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” he said in a statement in July.

Rep. Juan Vargas (Calif.) — “The deal fails to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. It fails to guarantee intrusive enough inspections to ensure that Iran does not cheat, and it fails to keep Iran from achieving nuclear-threshold status,” Vargas said in an op-ed. 

 

UNCLEAR/UNDECIDED (21)

Rep. Joyce Beatty (Ohio)

Rep. Robert Brady (Pa.)

Rep. Jim Cooper (Tenn.)

Rep. Henry Cuellar (Texas)

Rep. John Delaney (Md.)

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) — “We cannot afford to make the same mistake with Iran that was made with North Korea,” Gabbard said in a statement. 

Rep. Gwen Graham (Fla.)

Rep. Al Green (Texas)

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (Ohio)

Rep. Bill Keating (Mass.) 

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (N.Y.) — “I look forward to carefully reviewing the Iran agreement in the days ahead. Any deal must prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons,” he said in a statement after the deal was announced.

Rep. Grace Napolitano (Calif.)

Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.)

Rep. Charles Rangel (N.Y.)

Rep. Raul Ruiz (Calif.)

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) 

Rep. Mark Takai (Hawaii) 

Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.)

Rep. Dina Titus (Nev.)

Rep. Norma Torres (Calif.)

Rep. Marc Veasey (Texas)

Rep. Filemon Vela (Texas)